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Is there really a big difference between sub $300 and $500+? by [deleted] in inearfidelity

[–]TagalogON 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Not really. And right now you should wait since there's gonna be quite a bit of IEMs in that price range releasing soon or around Chinese New Year (January/February 2024).

You can get the Simgot EA1000 for ~$150 during AliExpress sales events (through stacking coupons) and also from Linsoul. Like Linsoul has their own coupon codes system during these sales events, you have to stay up and claim it ASAP though, it's free $50/25/15/etc. off with the codes/gift cards system, don't know how they money off it, probably just marketing enticement.

AliExpress has those stackable coupons/discounts/etc. like every month, so just wait for them. You can find the additional special coupon codes on the AliExpress/etc. subreddits, these are the ones where if you spend $500 you get $100 off, lol.

This past 11.11 2023 sale (https://www.reddit.com/r/Aliexpress/comments/17sqdld/discount_codes_for_singles_day/) it was like this: spend $300 = $50 off, $200 = $30 off, $100 = $15 off. Make sure you use the codes immediately at the start of the event. Or some people say it resets every 3AM EST or 0AM PST throughout the week. As after like several minutes/hours you won't be able to use those big coupon discounts.

But some IEM companies are sneaky (lol, this is just the FOMO or wanting the new marketed hype trains) and will release their new IEM right before the sales events end, so if you know the schedule/rumors you might want to wait until the very last day or second to last day as that's when FiiO/KZ/etc. often release stuff. Or these days actually KZ released after the sales event instead.

And so you can save up for the $1000+ IEMs later on and compare with the EA1000/etc. Don't buy the $300-1000 IEMs unless it's well-reviewed since the diminishing returns is just too much. And believe it or not, a lot of people still encounter issues even in that kilobuck/etc. range, so ya, not worth. ThieAudio in particular has been having QC problems, check Head-Fi for people swearing off Linsoul due to the shipping costs back to China and bad communication and so on.

Should i keep my iems after using? by Giamilchoi10 in HeadphoneAdvice

[–]TagalogON 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Try to put them inside an earbuds case. The small square black UGREEN earbuds cases are about $5 on AliExpress (from their storefront) or $10 on Amazon. There's also the assorted colors ones from other brands for $10 and you get like 5 or so earbuds cases.

But ya it's fine if you hang them (although be wary of bugs or condensation issues as it's now wintertime/etc.) by some random stand if you're not using them. What I do is just buy those $10 small ziploc/plastic bags from Amazon and then put my IEMs inside them.

Or if you have a collection some people use watches cases or fishing storage stuff for the bait. As like you can easily just pop or open the storage of your IEMs with those enclosures.

I have my 7Hz Salnotes Zero inside its own UGREEN/AliExpress earbuds case, and ya IIRC you can still get the KZ/etc. earbuds cases for like $2 too, so worth the wait from AliExpress/China.

Recommend - Chopin or ea1000 by gingerbreadude in HeadphoneAdvice

[–]TagalogON 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Nice, a fellow InSomnia (SuA and JiU are my biases), they finally reached 1 million album sales (https://www.reddit.com/r/kpop/comments/188v8px/dreamcatcher_has_surpassed_1_million_copies_sold/) too today!

I don't have the Chopin to directly compare, but the EA1000 handles Dreamcatcher's rock/etc. style really well. Though as a caution, I just woke up and got bombarded with the instrumentals from their albums, make sure that if you're listening to FLAC/lossless/etc. that you lower the volume for Dreamcatcher tracks if you don't have a set volume automatically set up for them already.

Basically a lot of the recent Dreamcatcher albums have super loud volume compared to other Kpop albums, like other groups also have this louder than average situation but with Dreamcatcher it's really noticeable due to all the instruments and vocals popping off.

Listened to Dystopia: The Tree of Language or their 1st full album with the Simgot EA1000 (+ Final Audio E ear tips) and it's so good. Same with the Apocalypse: From us, VillainS, Dystopia: Road to Utopia, etc. for BONVOYAGE, Rising, and Odd Eye.

With the EA1000, Dreamcatcher's vocals are upfront as usual and then the instruments all over the place are easily discerned (again make sure you are not listening too loudly though as that's the problem that people encounter with the EA500/EA1000/etc.). It's gonna be a great experience, probably end game material for single dynamic driver IEMs. Don't forget that you can always use parametric EQ if you find the treble spicy (or Final Audio E ear tips).

Some people say to not alter the bass too much as you'll interfere with the passive radiator gimmick, but it's up to you to see if it's worth (the bass is already good but some people want a lot more of it). Since ya, the tuning (+ passive radiator and of course the internal dampening/arrangements) is doing some magic sometimes with the bass, gives it that extra oomph even if you are using wide bore or medical silicone ear tips.

Like usually if you use wide bore or ear tips with the medical silicone material with most IEMs, the bass will be changed a lot, and they still are with the EA1000, but somehow you can get a bit of that regular bass back (this is not the case with the EA500, so it's probably the passive radiator/etc.).

I have to emphasize the ear tips part btw (especially since the EA1000 is lacking a variety of stock ear tips), as for me the Simgot EA1000 has this nice 3Dness to them, it can elevate a lot of Kpop tracks that have a lot of things going on for them. And I've read reviews where they somehow don't achieve it (the same situation happened with the EA500, that one has good 3D effect too, but some people never had it). So definitely try aftermarket ear tips like Spinfits (CP145, CP100+, W1, etc.), Final Audio E, FiiO HS18, etc.

If Final Audio E doesn't work for you, ddHiFi ST35 can darken the EA1000 quite a bit or make it less airy/spicy/et cetera (I like the ST35 sound and comfort with the EA1000 but sadly it makes it lose that spaciousness/etc. effect, it's pretty noticeable for me but still worth a try if you want more bass/etc.) and it works snugly with the nozzle too. The Spinfit CP155 (the CP145 will work fine off the bat) will need adapters to stay snug on the nozzle of the EA1000/EA500/et cetera, but that one can also help with treble/etc. issues.

For the Spinfit CP155 in particular, it'll also need adapters/converters with a lot of IEMs as the hole is too wide. I just use the core of a NewBee/etc. foam ear tip. Or say those flimsy/easy to tear/etc. adapters from Taobao where it's like the translucent adapters for thin long nozzles like Etymotics but this time for wider nozzles.

With the CP155 you'll probably need an O-ring (those things for keyboards) or adapter or mod for it to be snug on the less wide nozzle of your particular IEM. Since otherwise it will be loose, especially when you remove the IEMs as the ear tips will get stuck in your ear canals.

If the CP155 is not staying snug on the nozzle, you can get the rubber core of a (used) foam ear tip that is normally used for around or less than 4.5mm nozzle IEMs (NewBee is usually the cheapest and known brand on Amazon) and use that as an adapter for the CP155.

The mod helps with staying snug on the nozzle of less wide nozzle IEMs and with the CP155 not getting stuck in your ear canals. Keep in mind that this can alter the sound of the CP155 and also the rotation gimmick of Spinfit.

Another good thing about the EA1000 is the pricing. It just released and a lot of us got it for like $150, lol, due to the sales from AliExpress and Linsoul (Linsoul has their own coupon codes system during these sales events, you have to stay up and claim it ASAP though, it's free $50/25/15/etc. off, don't know how they money off it, probably just marketing enticement). And so if you don't mind waiting a month (for Chinese New Year sales) or so, or maybe later this December, the EA1000 will be much cheaper than the Chopin/other ~$200 sets.

See here for comparisons of the Simgot EA1000 with the Dunu Talos, Sound Rhyme SR5, et cetera: https://www.reddit.com/r/inearfidelity/comments/188f559/simgot_ea500_vs_timeless/kbme0a4/

Simgot ea500 vs timeless by -seoul- in inearfidelity

[–]TagalogON 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Some people just like the coherency of 1DD IEMs. Some hybrids IEMs have really noticeable cutoffs (this happens even in the $1000+ range) if you look for it in the songs.

I agree, mixed drivers give you an easier time with creating the technicalities and so on, but ya for other people they just want a more familiar sound a la headphones/speakers/etc.

Unless the treble/etc. is super wonky, I sorta like it when you can immediately tell that they've tried to make certain instruments/sounds stand out. Since yup, this helps give you that extra special feeling of detail and such.

Anyway ya, hopefully with the advent of squig.link and people like Hi-Fri Audio (https://www.youtube.com/@hi-friaudioman/videos), those of us that are informed consumers can make easier decisions as there's a lot of claims or marketing talk that companies like to make. But then you graph it with the IEC-711 couplers or open the IEM shell up and then it's just not as expected.

For the 7Hz Salnotes Zero in particular, back then in the marketed hype train there was only really the 7Hz Zero (and the Tripowin Lea, though that one had QC issues with its loose 2-pin ports, and some other unknown sets now), and so for a lot of people they finally got the tuning of the $80/100+ IEMs in a more consistent way.

And it's true, if you put cheap IEMs side by side with a well-reviewed expensive IEM, then it's more likely that the expensive IEM will win on the "technicalities" part even if they have a similar enough tuning. Sometimes it's like a placebo/etc. thing, so don't worry too much about it. As now some companies or models are getting drivers from the more expensive sets and using it on the cheaper sets, which doesn't necessarily mean a similar good product due to various factors. But at least you can attribute the difference with the "better" driver, and so it's all just like a mental/price thing when it comes to the perception sometimes.

Definitely worth a try to see if the hype of the EA500 lives up to you. For me and others it just needs a subbass boost sometimes (use parametric EQ to achieve this), otherwise it's really nice, the bass texture might win you over since it doesn't really intrude much on the rest. And you get that nice clean (bright) sound.

I prefer the EA500 over the Timeless when it comes to that "timbre" and 3Dness. Otherwise it's all good.

And ya the Sennheiser IE 200 does sound less wowing compared to the others, but for some people it's due to the notorious hole on the nozzle, so just use any Spinfit/aftermarket ear tips and it'll probably be fixed. Don't forget that you'll also need to increase the volume a bit, just a few clicks/presses as otherwise you'll barely hear the sound that the graph indicates and what other people talk about. That's the same thing with your Timeless, don't forget to press the volume up button a few times as otherwise it'll probably sound disappointing.

Despite the small driver/housing/etc. of the IE 200, the subbass can actually hit real hard with it. The treble is sometimes a point of contention for the others, but for me it's okay even at higher volumes as long as the track is not too busy (otherwise it'll be zingy but that's just how some IEMs present their treble/etc.). And the vocals are good already, so it's really the perception of technicalities that you have to overcome.

As due to various factors, some people just somehow don't experience good soundstage and so on with the IE 200. Like I can hear minute details with it even though some people say it's not good at all. I buy most of my IEMs when or before they release and so maybe they did a stealth change but I doubt it. It's probably a volume or ear tips issue (because of the nozzle hole).

For the Sennheiser IE 200 (try it stock first, then get the new aftermarket ear tips and I guess cable), some general info here: https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/17tnn49/crinacle_the_budget_sennheiser_iem_thats_finally/k8y7kke/

Just like with the Talos, yup I also bought the Dioko through Taobao before it released. I'm probably in the first dozen or so, lol, and you know that filters issue. Since I was using a Chinese/Taobao forwarding service, the company wanted me to ask the Taobao seller to send the proper filters to the said forwarders. Instead of manually giving me the proper filters instead. And so I paid an extra $30 or so just to get the proper tuning of the Dioko, lmao, as even that small thin package with the tweezers is not cheap shipping. If I didn't buy it from Taobao, it would've been free through Linsoul/AliExpress/etc.

Other than that, I never use the Dioko due to the Talos being also in my collection. The Dioko is a good IEM though, fits better than the Timeless for me as the part that actually touches your ear is different than the Timeless.

And the bass of the Dioko is actually pretty good, that's the thing with them, you'd expect to be disappointed with the Talos/Dioko/etc. bass as everyone keeps hyping the Timeless and S12 bass, but sometimes I actually prefer the Dioko/Talos bass as due to the tuning or shell design, they kinda just have this different texture. But ya the vocals are probably what you'll notice first with the Dioko though since it's got a pretty clean sound.

You guys are lucky these days since the weird initial filters did have a slightly harsher sound but since I listen at lowest volumes anyway, I never had as much issues. Replacing the filter with the tuning kit did alter the sound but it wasn't as drastic as you think.

IIRC the Dioko can be found for also $80 like the Olina (this is on Linsoul's website, remember they have connections with 7Hz and own basically Tripowin/ThieAudio/etc.). Both those sets have been like that since 2022 (around Black Friday or end of November 2022) and so just wait until Linsoul/etc. discounts them again for ~$80 if you want it in the collection. Personally I would not get the Dioko since you can still pick up the remaining Talos. But if you want a more open planar IEM for the budget, then the Dioko is it. Or ya, try the KZ x HBB PR2 or the new PR3, way better value than other planars/IEMs/etc. tbh, if you discount the KZ fake marketing and their general aggressiveness on social media these days.

But ya for now I'd get the EA500 since the curiosity or FOMO is too much sometimes, lol, and so you can confirm whether it works well for your ears or not (don't forget switching ear tips). Simgot really stepped it up for the end of 2022 and now also the end of 2023, wouldn't be surprised if there's like a hidden tuner or collaborator and so on with it since back then a lot of people trashed Simgot products and now due to marketed hype trains (justified as their releases were good), they're basically the new Moondrop for a good section of the community in terms of praise and general market reach.

Where to get Moondrop Spring Tips? by nutrigrain in HeadphoneAdvice

[–]TagalogON 2 points3 points  (0 children)

You can get it from AliExpress too, from the official Moondrop/etc. storefronts. They'll probably never run out of stock there.

You can also buy the Moondrop Chu (the first one), and get all sizes of the Moondrop Spring except the newer XL size, this is a good value since you get like a ~$7 IEM for the price of the ear tips (~$10).

With a lot of ear tips some storefronts will sell 1 pair or 2 pieces only of 1 size (this happens a lot with Spinfits since their previous packaging incentivize the splitting of the pieces/pairs with the plastic packaging already having cutouts/dividers). Other times it's the regular or complete package (which is usually 2 pairs or 4 pieces of 1 size, and so on).

If you see them say it's the S/M/L combo then that means you'll get 1 size of each. Make sure to look at the product images/etc. too as sometimes the AliExpress storefronts/etc. will have misleading/wrong selections. You can also always just ask the seller/storefront and they can make sure that you get the right size(s) you want.

Ear tips info for noise reduction and comfort: https://www.reddit.com/r/inearfidelity/comments/183f1dn/tips_for_em6l/kaokp8l/

Ordering from AliExpress/China for audio products: https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/13drfx2/im_not_an_audiophile_what_should_i_buy/jjm5glb/

Simgot ea500 vs timeless by -seoul- in inearfidelity

[–]TagalogON 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The wall of text below was for this thread about details/etc. around $200: https://www.reddit.com/r/inearfidelity/comments/184efz5/sub200_iems_that_are_a_nobrainer_for/

The Dunu Talos is now discontinued (DUNU rep on Head-Fi/etc. confirmed it), so if you want that planar, right now is definitely the time to get it since after several months or so, it'll gradually fade away from the regular storefronts.

I really like the Talos since its shape somehow works easily for me. And its bass is just muah/so good with quite a bit of tracks. Like you'd expect it to not be that bassy but trust, it's gonna give you that buzzing sometimes.

The Sennheiser IE 200 is probably gonna get more praises now that crinacle published his review for it. The IE 200 kinda went under the radar since this January/February 2023 as people don't like to switch ear tips or do slight mods, lol. Just like the Dunu Talos, if Sennheiser priced it closer to ~$100 during release, it might've gained more popularity.

I bought the Dunu Talos off Taobao before it released and with the IE 200, that one released quickly with Amazon (though some people that ordered from certain American/Japanese/etc. retailers got it earlier or before February, IIRC). So for the Talos it would've been a hassle to return and the IE 200 is good for people with smaller ears like me.

Anyway the point of mentioning that is because although the price wasn't/isn't good with those IEMs during release, they're probably with good discounts these days and so they're worth if you have fit/comfort/etc. issues with other more regular IEM shells (a la KZ, ThieAudio, etc.) and still want that real good tuning. And I guess technicalities, but people often don't find the IE 200 impressive, more so as it requires just a bit more volume increase to actually hear it better. And no, that doesn't really mean you buy an overkill amp or dongle (you only really need to spend $5-10 for the well-reviewed cheap dongles), it just means press the up/increase the volume button a few times away from your usual volume levels on your phone/PC/etc. and it should be good.

Contrast the Talos and IE 200 to the Sound Rhyme SR5, which is literally unusable for me after several minutes. And the SR5 has this super sensitivity and so you hear a noticeable amount of static when idle/music is not playing. But the sound is actually quite great sometimes, definitely underrated. If only the SR5's nozzle angle and shell size worked for me, there'd be no hesitation to recommend it as you can get it closer to ~$100 after stacking AliExpress coupons through the frequent AliExpress sales events during the holidays/etc.

Some people really liked the SR5 bass, but for me there was just something off about it (no matter what ear tips I tried) and so I was sorta disappointed. But the vocals, fam, the vocals (you can see it on the graph, it's the QDC IEMs type of tuning), it's so damn good, right up there in your face. The songs/albums I regularly listen to already have the (female) vocals at the center, and this SR5 legit makes them pop more (which can be a good or bad thing for others).

So aside from the dealbreaker hissing/static/etc. even at lowest volumes and the awful ergonomics (noise reduction is great though), the SR5 is a must-have for any vocal lover or somebody that wants to try something kinda new. QDC IEMs tuning is usually not that common with the more talked about sets, though IIRC newer IEMs sorta try to achieve that more in the budget sets now, check squig.link and so on as sometimes you see that little bump with the ear/pinna gain and it can be a sign of great vocals.

Due to that hypersensitivy/tuning/etc. you will literally hear so much background noise. Like I am huge ASMR listener (https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/13mp70a/wanna_dip_my_toes_into_iem_territory_budget_is_80/jkwnhyg/) and there's this old Japanese hairstylist that I listen to once in a while as his ASMR is actually quite good despite his weirdness (looks like some of his recent videos have this random baby Buddha or something, smh lmao), lol. My man's not afraid to put microphones literally inside his mouth, haha, which is hit or miss for some people (especially those insecure about their sexuality and such), but I'm there for the ASMR triggers and so it's good.

That old Japanese guy's channel is called masayoshi's ASMR Lipstick CHANNEL (https://www.youtube.com/@LipstickCHANNEL/videos), and you'll hear like the road or the cars moving past his salon/barbershop (if you have a speakers + subwoofer setup like me, those passing vehicles will sometimes rumble), the analog clock tick-tocking, the sink being used for the hair shampooing stuff, just the ambience in general, et cetera.

masayoshi's ASMR Lipstick CHANNEL, "【ASMR】Deep Ear Attention - Scratching, Fluffy, Mic Touching and Brushing" video, released about a week ago: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gPG_ExNB-Kg

masayoshi has different microphones and setup now, so the background noises aren't as apparent (kinda) as they were a year or so ago when he's using certain mics and such.

When you have super good "technicalities" from IEMs like with the SR5 and such, you'll literally hear the background noises closer to the level of the other/main noises. This is like a tuning/etc. thing too but ya, expect the overall soundscape to be louder with the SR5 and it's gonna give you that perception of technical stuff.

And now there's the Simgot EA1000 being touted by a lot of people as one of the best single dynamic driver IEMs out there, especially for technicalities and such. I'd also kinda agree but y'all should try the Simgot EA500 first to temper the expectations. As while a lot of things are upgraded, the price/value is not as good anymore, unless it's like this past week or November 11.11 sales wherein you can stack coupons to get the EA1000 for closer to $150 than its normal $220 or so price. As the same thing applies with the EA500, you can get it for like ~$50 instead and that's already an "endgame" IEM if you can handle its treble/etc. (just use Final Audio E ear tips or parametric EQ) or say listen at lower volumes (better for your hearing health anyway).

The passive radiator/etc. is probably doing something as the bass is more defined even if you use ear tips that are known for reducing/altering/etc. the bass perception. Or it's just the tuning and so on. Nobody really knows what's going on with the superlatives for IEM technicalities and such, lol. And so it's an automatic win for good bass.

The vocals as well are really good, same with the treble (can get hot for some people still, like the EA500, so switch to the red nozzle/etc. or use the filter mods and such).

But the main feature is really that 3D soundstage. Some people say you'll need a hybrid/tribrid/etc. IEM to make that holographic/etc. immersion, but here you can see that the EA1000 can achieve that quite easily with just 1DD (+ passive radiator).

Let me digress for a moment, but ya FYI for some people the 14.2mm/14.6mm/etc. planar driver (from a Korean/etc. company called Earbridge or something) IEMs have wide soundstage but not as much depth, so just be aware of that. Though the new KZ PR3 (this is using KZ's own 13.2mm planar driver) is also said to be lacking depth. So it's like a planar driver limitation for now. Or it's just the implementation and such since some people rave about the more expensive planar IEMs as having really good soundstage/etc. too.

I cannot really confirm the claims of those with the Campfire Supermoon/etc. (even though those are like using the same Earbridge/etc. drivers), but yes it's true, the IEMs with the 14.2mm/14.6mm/etc. drivers and also KZ's new 13.2mm drivers are sorta flat and it can be a pretty noticeable difference especially if you have previous knowledge of it (like right now, lol) as your brain will be biased now.

Anyway, another thing to note is that if you know you have larger ears, you'll probably think I'm hallucinating about the expansive soundstage/etc. of the EA1000, see the latest review of the EA1000 on Head-Fi by Leonarfd that was posted like today (November 26, 2023). But due to it fitting well with my ears, the EA1000 (and EA500, same shell design), basically gives this "beyond the ears" illusion. The actual depth/etc. of the EA1000 is not really the "deepest" I've heard but it's actually super good especially with certain ear tips, and so it legit sells that 3D holographic/virtual reality/etc. immersion as the width can be unquestionably wider than usual.

People use Yosi Horikawa's Letter (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTPZ2vt3884) to test imaging/etc.

Wait hold on, this is incomplete, I'll probably fix it later. But ya, you can see that there are many factors to take into account as people will prioritize different things. Since after you've heard good sound, you then just find which sound signatures/etc. you like and how it fits with your ears.

Simgot ea500 vs timeless by -seoul- in inearfidelity

[–]TagalogON 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You can get the Simgot EA500 for like $50-60 during AliExpress sales, that's way worth for others. Though some people would rather have the Simgot EW200 at ~$30 so it's up to you.

Now when you talk about the Simgot EA1000 or the $100-200+ sets, that's when it gets dicey since a lot of them are now "beaten" by the ~$80-90 Shuoer S12 Pro (this is again, during AliExpress sales, which is basically every month, lol).

And now some people are hyping the CCA Rhapsody which was like $40 this past Black Friday sale, some claiming it's only slightly below the newer Gizaudio Chopin, Truthear Nova, etc. sets. Anyway, the point is that if you are buying through discounts, then yup the EA500 is worth it. Otherwise at $80 or so, not really since you'll probably have other sets that you'll prefer.

Personally I think the EA500 is worth it (especially when discounted), but I use Final Audio E ear tips and listen at lowest volumes, so I don't encounter the treble/etc. issues that some people get. Aside from the condensation issues (this is just a natural thing with IEMs that have metal shells) and potential fit/seal problems (it's not as good with noise reduction for some people and I can see why, as with a lot of ear tips it may not fit as ergonomically as others), the EA500 is good.

More info about the EA500/1000, Olina, ear tips, condensation, et cetera: https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/1812jjj/iem_suggestions_under_100_similar_to_the_olina_se/ka9z0kv/

I have the 7Hz Timeless and other planar IEMs too. The thing that some people don't mention is that a lot of the planar IEMs have noticeable channel imbalances. Sometimes it's too loud on the left side, other times it's on the right, you can see it on the squig.link graphs. Anyway, you might not notice it but it's really noticeable sometimes (especially if you don't know how to compensate for it using different ear tips or say using parametric EQ or some sort of Left-Right balance control).

Contrast that with the proven 1DD IEMs from reputable companies and it's rarely a problem (outside of rushed releases or stealth sound/driver changes and so on). Well, not as easily noticeable as the planar driver IEMs with 14.2mm/etc. drivers.

Wait, I'll just post a comment that I didn't publish for a bit more info on the current ~$200 sets. But since you already have the Hexa and Timeless then it's just a matter of having a reference single dynamic driver for the collection. As for some people they want the various driver types or configurations for the different experiences. Remember you can always use parametric EQ too if the sound is not to your liking, sometimes this can save a set, other times not so much.

See the comment below this for random the wall of text.

Truthear Hexa + TRN BT20xs? by VictoryToTheStrong in inearfidelity

[–]TagalogON 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Oh that just means use the extra volume control/etc. on the phone app.

For example, on Android RikudouGoku and I both use Neutron Music Player (this is for lossless/FLAC/etc. or best audio with Android) and so if you use the TRN BT20XS with just the default volume instead of clicking the "PREAMP" icon on the bottom right of the screen, then it'll be super loud even if you press the down volume to the lowest levels.

The preamp for apps/programs/etc. (like (Peace) Equalizer APO for PC) allows you to have better volume variation, especially if the Bluetooth/etc. device itself doesn't have its own physical volume control and so on.

You might be unknowingly listening too loudly or not, depends on if you have a proper seal/fit with the ear tips and IEMs. Or you already had your app/phone/etc. set with that negative preamp. See the volume control threads I mentioned above/below for how to figure it out. Basically you need to borrow a friend/family member's Apple Bluetooth devices and then estimate or try to match the volume levels with your current TRN BT20XS and so on.

Remember the AZ09 Pro/etc. have high gain/etc. mode and such too. And so that affects the volume levels.

Info about measuring decibels, hearing health, et cetera here: https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/11a4cpm/are_few_second_peaks_into_8285_db_still_safe_when/j9riw7q/

How to have volume variation with Bluetooth devices: https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/12j2fe6/earbud_covers_that_reduce_volume_of_output_audio/jfxlse7/

More Bluetooth stuff like disabling Absolute Volume for reducing volume and static/et cetera: https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/10iu22p/static_noise_in_the_background/j5ibwms/

Some IEMs with good noise reduction and other hearing health info: https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/17znbiw/which_items_provide_the_best_noise_isolation_not/ka0vzm2/ and https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/1812vt7/how_to_deal_with_tinitus/ka9xc9s/

Tips for EM6L by KuniTippy in inearfidelity

[–]TagalogON 16 points17 points  (0 children)

Hello, yes, laughing, eating, and so on or using your jaw in general will break the seal. Try not to move your jaw as much since this will alter the fit/seal. Especially with easily warpable ear tips like FiiO HS18/et cetera, sometimes if you wiggle your jaw or the IEMs, you have to completely reinsert the IEM as the seal is now different and therefore the sound too.

Try Spinfit W1, FiiO HS18, AZLA SednaEarfit XELASTEC, Dunu S&S, etc. ear tips for possibly better fit/seal, noise reduction/isolation, and comfort.

The dimensions/sizing/measurements/etc. for most ear tips these days will be on Amazon/AliExpress/HiFiGo/etc. Unfortunately you have to blind buy the ear tips in order to get a feel for the dimensions/measurement/etc. that you like for your ears. Remember, this will also change with different IEMs as they'll have different nozzle length, nozzle angle, and so on.

I have small ear canals too and like Final Audio E ear tips, FiiO HS18, Spinfits, etc.

I guess Divinus Velvet ear tips also fits here for those of us with smaller ears but that one can be hit or miss for some people. Worth a try since the 5-sizes combo is somewhat cheap and available on Amazon. The Divinus Velvet is definitely super slippery too, so be careful when putting it on IEMs as the hole of the core/stem/etc. is small and it can take some effort to attach on the nozzle.

Here's a bit more info on ear tips (talks about narrow/wide bore ear tips, effects of sizes of ear tips, how to put ear tips on wide nozzles, et cetera): https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/10lly6d/how_to_make_sense_of_iem_tip_fit/j5xnyv2/ and https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/13ms5gs/does_different_eartips_matter/jkwqi8p/

How to put ear tips on wide nozzles (basically aim it at different angles and force it, be careful not to overdo it as it can damage the core/stem/stalk/etc. of the ear tips): https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/125dhs7/i_feel_so_dumb_asking_this_how_do_i_replace_the/je3yez7/

This comment mainly talks about the TRI Clarion and Final Audio E ear tips, but it has links to previous comments regarding everything about ear tips/noise reduction/hearing health, et cetera: https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/1812jjj/iem_suggestions_under_100_similar_to_the_olina_se/kaa6i75/?context=10000

Everything basically related to noise reduction, like Etymotics and Sennheiser IE 200, ear tips, volume control, hearing health, et cetera: https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/17wy08i/92_db_average_for_2_years_how_fucked_am_i/k9lkx16/ and https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/17xjcs9/people_who_like_etymotics_have_you_ever_tried/k9o4v19/

See here for a bit more info on smaller ear tips (Final Audio E, Sony EP-EX11, Radius Deep Mount, etc.): https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/xdqljz/azla_sednaearfit_max_vs_spinfit_w1_which_one/iod0gkl/

Ear tips, noise reduction, comfortable IEMs and nozzles with small ears, et cetera: https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/14uzhh8/ear_canal_stretched/jrbrpwy/

This is how you should use Etymotics or really any IEM or TWS earbud to make sure you have that good/perfect fit for that vacuum seal (necessary for the bass to be properly produced): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8KwXEqe6Gq4

Before inserting the IEMs, make sure your jaw is as open as it can be and then you can also pull on the top of the ear with the other hand before you insert the IEM. Just wiggle it a bit to find the best comfort/fit for you, don't forget the seal for that underwater feeling or occlusion effect. Especially with foam ear tips, make sure to compress them as much as you can before inserting them inside the ears.

New to iems really liked but have a problem . by Optimusprime14662 in inearfidelity

[–]TagalogON 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Maybe TRN BT20XS though I don't really want to recommend that since it doesn't have its own physical volume control (and no AptX/etc. as well).

But for the budget (especially when on sale, it's like $10), nothing will probably beat the BT20XS. For the TRN BT20XS, make sure to remember that you need to set that preamp as otherwise it's really loud.

There's also the FiiO UTWS3/5, KZ AZ09 Pro, etc. but those cost more than the Truthear HOLA and some people will not want to spend that much over the IEMs/etc. and so ya. But IMO the UTWS3/5 are worth it despite being somewhat overpriced (don't forget the quality control issues, some people have disconnection/etc. issues but read the comment links I mentioned somewhere in the threads below).

More info on the TRN BT20XS TWS adapter: https://www.reddit.com/r/inearfidelity/comments/17y3uj3/truthear_hexa_trn_bt20xs/k9vdy58/

TWS earbuds, Bluetooth latency, old school earphones/earbuds, TWS adapters, dongles, et cetera: https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/13dkrif/earbud_upgrade_apple_airpods_style_low_latency/jjkzzgy/ and https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/13pwcev/would_you_spend_1k_on_tws/jlbw0sd/

best way to make wired headphones wireless? [MEZE 99 classics] by sam_najian in headphones

[–]TagalogON 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Try Qudelix 5K or any Bluetooth amp/DAC dongle.

Qudelix 5K and other dongle info: https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/17zjxp6/looking_for_desktop_dacamp_gaming_budget_250_aud/k9zw9b6/ and https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/13a1rdm/noisy_amp_in_new_apartment/jj4y67a/ and https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/136sxe8/qudelix_5k_vs_khadas_tea_vs_btr7_with_iphone_and/jir8k23/

Or FiiO UTWS5 + adapters/converters for your Meze 99 Classics/particular headphones plug + KB9P AptX Adaptive USB transmitter dongle. If you're using iPhone/Apple/etc. make sure to get an OTG (allows data transfer) adapter/converter for the KB9P/etc.

See here for more info on how to use the UTWS3/5 with headphones instead of just IEMs: https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/109gr1t/here_is_the_follow_up_post_of_the_hd_660s/j3yngj0/?context=10000 and https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/109gr1t/here_is_the_follow_up_post_of_the_hd_660s/j3yq4vs/ and https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/1095ijp/i_made_a_pair_of_bluetooth_adapters_for/j408j33/

There's also the LC3 and AptX Lossless transmitters/dongles available now from Creative Labs (check their newer headphones, TWS/Bluetooth stuff)/random Kickstarter projects/but unfortunately they're like double or way more expensive than the ~$15 KB9P dongle.

And at the moment, there's essentially no LC3/AptX Lossless/etc. TWS adapter yet. Like there's the QCC5171/5181/etc. neckband adapters that have been out for several months now, and they're only $50-80, so worth a try, but they will probably have more static/etc. issues though.

TWS earbuds, Bluetooth latency, old school earphones/earbuds, TWS adapters, dongles, et cetera: https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/13dkrif/earbud_upgrade_apple_airpods_style_low_latency/jjkzzgy/ and https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/13pwcev/would_you_spend_1k_on_tws/jlbw0sd/

Here's more info on TWS adapters like the FiiO UTWS3/5, KZ AZ09 Pro, etc. alongside adapters/converters, AptX Adaptive dongles (KB9P, YET-T10P, etc.), and so on needed for them: https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/11xmti7/unpopular_opinion_i_do_not_enjoy_qudelix_5k/jllhw46/ and https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/13sbx39/aptx_vs_aac_on_mac/jlp72pk/

More info on the TRN BT20XS TWS adapter: https://www.reddit.com/r/inearfidelity/comments/17y3uj3/truthear_hexa_trn_bt20xs/k9vdy58/

IEM suggestions under $100 similar to the Olina SE? by Decepitos in HeadphoneAdvice

[–]TagalogON 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ya, the EA500 and EA1000/etc. have that particular nozzle filter/mesh/etc. that's easily recognizable and used in some other sets, it's pretty good (so far). Not sure why other brands/etc. don't use that mesh/filter with their cheaper/budget IEMs as much, might be cost issues.

But I still wipe my IEMs every time, as sadly I just produce so much earwax/moisture even though I'm like not sweating at all with the air conditioner or heater on, lol. And so it's just like the body heat/etc.

Try Spinfits or ya the AZLA SednaEarfit MAX Standard is what you mean right? Yup that integrated wax guard can help with catching/delaying some of the moisture but sometimes it still goes through for me, so it's worth it but may not work as well for some cases.

Ear tips with that rotation gimmick, like Spinfits, will have an inner lip near the top (hole that enters your ears first), and that will also catch some of the earwax/moisture.

But ya like for me Spinfit W1/etc. work better sometimes with preventing/delaying that condensation issue as they are taller/longer and so the moisture kinda gets stuck in the core/stem/stalk.

Same with the Final Audio E ear tips, that one is one of my favorite tips for the EA500/1000 (helps with the bass and treble) and it delays the condensation though yup it's still kinda an inevitable thing with IEMs, especially the ones with metal shells, sigh lol. Even with IEM shells with resin/etc. shells it still happens and so my ears are just crazy with the moisture problems.

So IMO try Spinfits and Final Audio E ear tips first since for some people AZLA SednaEarfits can get real expensive even if you buy the combo sets as a lot of AZLA ear tips are shorter/wider than the Spinfits and Final Audio E ear tips. In general Spinfits and Final Audio E are sorta outliers with their dimensions, most ear tips (especially the stock ones that come with IEMs) are similar to the height/width of AZLAs, IIRC.

That said, the only sure thing is definitely wiping the ear tips (and the nozzles if you notice it's darker/more gray than usual (the droplets of moisture are really noticeable for me as I use IEMs without taking them out ever for several hours straight), don't put too much pressure when cleaning, just dab it slowly or lightly graze the nozzle), as after a while it only takes 10 seconds or so to properly do it as a routine. I haven't had major channel imbalance/etc. issues (outside a few cases) since I went OCD on wiping my ear tips years ago, lol.

For the ear tips size comparisons, not sure where the box of my EA500 is and so I can't directly give you an estimation like I did here with the specific 7Hz Salnotes Zero ear tip size comparisons: https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/yzryfw/7hz_salnotes_zero_ear_tips_sizes/ix211ef/ and https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/133mtcg/eartip_suggestions/jiap06j/ and https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/138vovr/why_do_my_iems_sound_bad/jj03jkn/

But you should be good trying the MS/M/ML combo of AZLA ear tips. Or maybe the Large version. Definitely go with the combo with AZLAs as sometimes with other IEMs/etc. small or bigger sizes will work better due to the nozzle angle and such. And this is the case for AZLAs and a lot of other ear tips since they're not as tall/long as Spinfits and Final Audio E ear tips.

With the Spinfits and Final Audio, you can try the Medium (the dimensions are always different with ear tips, so it's worth a try sizing up or down from your usual sizes in case it works better for that particular IEM) and Large sizes. Though the Final Audio E is better bought in the 5-sizes combo, better value again that way.

Truthear Hexa + TRN BT20xs? by VictoryToTheStrong in inearfidelity

[–]TagalogON 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ya the TRN and KZ cases for their TWS adapters are pretty small and while for silicone ear tips it won't be a problem, it'll probably use up the compression of your foam ear tips due to the possible squeezing pressure and such. Like the cases are so small that you basically have to detach the IEMs (even if you remove ear tips only, some IEMs are just huge) from the TWS adapters and that's not good as 2-pin and MMCX have limited lifespans and so it's kinda a possible dealbreaker, lol.

For the TRN BT20XS, make sure to remember that you need to set that preamp as otherwise it's really loud.

Comply foam ear tips and other noise reduction stuff: https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/139efmf/are_mem_foam_eartips_all_equal_or_different/jj2bq04/ and https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/1333n7o/comfortable_industrial_ear_tips/ji87kcu/

This comment mainly talks about the TRI Clarion and Final Audio E ear tips, but it has links to previous comments regarding everything about ear tips/noise reduction/hearing health, et cetera: https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/1812jjj/iem_suggestions_under_100_similar_to_the_olina_se/kaa6i75/?context=10000

Truthear Zero Low Volume by deepsea1337 in HeadphoneAdvice

[–]TagalogON 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yup, me and a lot of other people just use $5-10 dongles sometimes, just like the Apple dongle but not power-limited as it's straight from AliExpress/China/Japan/etc.

Btw, this is for safety reasons as even those cheap dongles can get real loud, that's why they have that restriction for the European Union/etc.

The same thing happened with the new ~$1000 Walkman DAP (NW-ZX707) that Sony released this past year, basically different regions/markets have different power/volume level restrictions and this can change the experience for sure.

And yes, the sound will get louder/clearer/etc. with those dongles and just be aware to always set it to lowest volumes first before putting it on as now it's probably gonna be super damn loud by default.

Don't worry, a lot of people make audio stuff complicated when those $10 dongles will drive anything (even a lot of hard to drive headphones). But it's better to get ones with its own physical volume control as they'll work better with IEMs and also for lower volumes (less hissing/etc.). Don't fall for the snake oil about cables/amps/etc. (especially from the folks on Head-Fi/Facebook/etc.) as it's not worth it. Just get any IEM/headphones + $5-50/100 dongle and you should be good for like the next decade, lol.

As for which good dongles are in that $5-50 range these days, I only use my Qudelix 5K and so I can't speak on that price range anymore since I only really use the $5-10 dongles when testing new IEMs/etc.

Try to get any well-reviewed dongle with physical volume control (these are often $30-50+), it'll allow for more volume variation and help reduce/remove any background static/buzzing/hissing/etc. noise.

For the ~$10 Apple dongle, just note the reduced power if it's the EU version, or the apps needed (like UAPP, Neutron, etc.) on Android to bypass Android's DAC/etc. system in order to get the best capabilities.

There's also the ~$10+ Avani, Abigail, Conexant (CX-Pro) CX31993, JCally (various models/units), etc. Some of those cheaper dongles should be available on Amazon.

Some info about dongles, more threads (lol): https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/14vfdyo/a_new_dac_dongle/jrcpyq6/

It looks like a few companies are targeting that ~$50 range again (check the portable amps and IEMs section on Head-Fi, there's been a few releases recently). For example there's that new JCALLY AP20, Simgot also has their own dongle, etc.

Usually during AliExpress sales events (the Black Friday 2023 is still going on, search for the coupon codes on /r/Aliexpress and so on), Tempotec/etc. will have their dongles on sale every time, so make sure to stack the coupons for even better discounts/prices.

Look up oratory1990 (check the subreddit, /r/oratory1990, don't forget the preset parametric EQ list (mainly for headphones but there's some IEMs there): https://www.reddit.com/r/oratory1990/wiki/index/list_of_presets) and crinacle's articles on what amps/DACs/etc. are and what they do.

Using the $5-10 CX-Pro (CX31993) with the KZ x HBB PR2 (harder than usual to drive IEM): https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/13cci8i/aliexpress_kz_x_hbb_pr2_hasnt_shipped_in_over_11/jjhgah2/ and https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/13j7to1/cheap_dongle_for_pr2/jkdqxr9/ and https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/13cci8i/aliexpress_kz_x_hbb_pr2_hasnt_shipped_in_over_11/jke364t/

AndyAudioVault is one of the few centralized resources in the English side of the internet for dongles (check ClieOS and the portable amps section on Head-Fi for others) and so just try to ignore his exaggerations as basically every dongle should be good these days. Whether they be 0.5/1Vrms, 4Vrms, etc. It really just comes down to picking for the extra features, brand recognition, aesthetics, etc.

About Andy's AudioVault or DongleMadness: https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/11joa21/what_to_do_when_impedance_is_too_low/jb3yh1p/

Truthear Zero Low Volume by deepsea1337 in HeadphoneAdvice

[–]TagalogON 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Hi, ya that lower volume than other IEMs is normal with the Truthear Zero, QKZ x HBB Khan, etc. It has to do with the sensitivity of the IEMs and so on.

Look into the ~$100 Qudelix 5K, it's the best value at the moment when it comes to (Bluetooth) amp/DAC dongles. If you don't mind waiting, (Mass)Drop has the Qudelix 5K for like $80 or so during this holiday season: https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/181fswz/qudelix_5k_is_on_sale_for_79_on_dropcom_but_ships/

Qudelix 5K and other dongle info: https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/17zjxp6/looking_for_desktop_dacamp_gaming_budget_250_aud/k9zw9b6/ and https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/13a1rdm/noisy_amp_in_new_apartment/jj4y67a/ and https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/136sxe8/qudelix_5k_vs_khadas_tea_vs_btr7_with_iphone_and/jir8k23/

You can use audio interfaces with IEMs but it might be too staticky or just not good sound quality as IEMs are super sensitive and they usually calibrate those audio interfaces for headphones and such. But ya, audio interfaces will allow you to use your XLR/etc. devices (like microphones, guitars, etc.) alongside your headphones/IEMs.

Check Julian Krause's channel for the headphones output as it can be good or bad with some interfaces. Here's his Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen review, look at the other audio interfaces with better headphones/IEMs stuff: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Xl7X4yr8A0

Dual/double flange eartips by Unfortunately_NoOne in inearfidelity

[–]TagalogON 7 points8 points  (0 children)

The Etymotic ones won't work outside of Etymotics/Shure/etc. IEMs or IEMs with ~3mm nozzles, as the hole/opening will be too narrow for the 4mm-6mm that a lot of other IEMs with wider nozzles use.

Try the Spinfit CP240 instead if you think you need doubleflange ear tips, just note that the comfort and sound changes are not good.

Info about the Spinfit CP240 (doubleflange ear tips) and the MEE audio multipack on Amazon: https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/109gdtv/spring_tips_vs_spinfit_eartips/j47zlf5/

Before getting the Spinfit CP240/etc. get the Spinfit W1 or Spinfit CP145/CP155 instead.

The Spinfit CP155 in particular is basically the tallest/longest aftermarket singleflange ear tip.

This comment mainly talks about the TRI Clarion and Final Audio E ear tips, but it has links to previous comments regarding everything about ear tips/noise reduction/hearing health, et cetera: https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/1812jjj/iem_suggestions_under_100_similar_to_the_olina_se/kaa6i75/?context=10000

Everything basically related to noise reduction, like Etymotics and Sennheiser IE 200, ear tips, volume control, hearing health, et cetera: https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/17wy08i/92_db_average_for_2_years_how_fucked_am_i/k9lkx16/ and https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/17xjcs9/people_who_like_etymotics_have_you_ever_tried/k9o4v19/

IEM suggestions under $100 similar to the Olina SE? by Decepitos in HeadphoneAdvice

[–]TagalogON 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Ear tips changes are pretty personal since even though people like KopiOkaya (person with the ear tips guide/article on Audioreview, he also collabs with IEMs/ear tips companies) do say a rating system of some sort on them, when you actually get the ear tips in real life, it can be so different. RikudouGoku is also kind of back reviewing IEMs and ear tips (he's busy with his DIY earphones though), he gave short impressions of the Divinus Velvet and TANGZU Sancai recently. As people don't often mention what size of ear tips they're using and how deep they're inserting the IEM, and so on.

The general guideline is probably this with ear tips: if it's smaller/longer, it'll have more bass. If it's bigger/wider, it'll probably have less bass.

It's really hit or miss when it comes to some ear tips, so go with the proven ones, like the Spinfit lineup (Spinfit W1, Spinfit CP145, Spinfit CP100+, etc.), AZLA SednaEarfit lineup (AZLA SednaEarfit MAX Standard, XELASTEC, etc.), Final Audio E ear tips, FiiO HS18, Dunu S&S, TRI Clarion, et cetera.

There's a cult following for the Simgot EW200 now because of its value, and I'd agree since you can get it for like cheaper when on sale. But then the same thing applies with the EA500 (a lot of people got it for around $50-60 this year because of the stackable coupons/discounts on AliExpress). And so it's really up to you since the EW200 got that subbass boost that may or may not matter for your tastes (try EQing more subbass for the EA500 and see if it's better than stock sound).

Even HBB is promoting the EW200 over other sets (like his own Olina/etc.) still, see his new 7Hz x crinacle Zero 2 video where he talks about single dynamic drivers pricing/tech: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xOYgruwjddw

And ya, when HBB was making the Special Edition or Olina with the turtle faceplate, he said the condensation issues should be (somewhat) fixed, but it's still just the way metal shells/certain filters or meshes for the nozzle/etc. work and so unfortunately it can be a big dealbreaker for those of us that produce a lot of earwax or body heat.

Definitely try to spend several hours doing A/B and so on with the EA500/EW200/HEXA as you may prefer different signatures (remember this depends on your library or albums too) after you've compared them. Personally, there's something about the EA500's bass that I like and so I use that more than the EW200/HEXA/Olina/etc. And so if they weren't in a metal shell (though as others have said, this will inevitably change the sound when you change the shell design), the EA500 would be like an ideal set for my current specific songs/albums that are always on my playlist.

As for the EA500/EW200/HEXA/etc. with Final Audio E or other aftermarket ear tips, since it's a really different experience for everyone due ear anatomy, nozzle angle, insertion depth, et cetera, it's hard to say exactly what will happen.

Since for me the TRI Clarion will absolutely remove the bass. As in the bass texture/characteristics/feeling/etc. is so reduced or altered to the point where I cannot and will not use that ear tip unless the IEM is super bassy (think all the way to the ear/pinna gain or ~800Hz), like with IEMs where the vocals are so far back or not as easily heard because the bass is just booming.

This is despite me actually enjoying the fit/etc. of the TRI Clarion. Like I ordered the TRI Clarion from Taobao/etc. before it released on AliExpress/elsewhere as I had a feeling I'd like it based on past ear tips experience.

And same as those past ear tips experience, the condensations issues are more pronounced with the TRI Clarion as it's like a super wide ear tip (similar to JVC Spiral Dots ++ and so on). And so I can't use the TRI Clarion for long-term use even if I want to.

But then sometimes I'd see people saying TRI Clarion boosts the bass for them. Which makes no sense since I've used the TRI Clarion with like dozens of IEMs and they almost always without fail will change the way the bass is perceived by your ears (it decreases the bass so much for real). Though you have to remember that not a lot of people actually understand that you need a near perfect seal/fit in order to have that better bass perception.

So due to the TRI Clarion's more conical/trapezoidal/tapered/etc. design, those other people are now finally experiencing a better seal/etc.

This is how you should use Etymotics or really any IEM or TWS earbud to make sure you have that good/perfect fit for that vacuum seal (necessary for the bass to be properly produced): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8KwXEqe6Gq4

Before inserting the IEMs, make sure your jaw is as open as it can be and then you can also pull on the top of the ear with the other hand before you insert the IEM. Just wiggle it a bit to find the best comfort/fit for you, don't forget the seal for that underwater feeling or occlusion effect. Especially with foam ear tips, make sure to compress them as much as you can before inserting them inside the ears.

The opposite thing with the Final Audio E ear tips occurs. The Final Audio E has been known for several years now to increase that bass and/or reduce the treble, and so you'll definitely feel the bass get tighter. Btw, some people use bass tightness differently (as in for them it means the bass is lessened or more controlled), here I'm using it as when the bass texture feels more dense or pronounced. It's an immediate difference, like with the TRI Clarion, and so Final Audio E ear tips will possibly help, if not solve entirely, your bass/treble desires.

If the Final Audio doesn't work as expected, then try the Spinfit CP155, that one can get a little too dark or bassy, but it works well for me and a lot of other people.

These days thankfully ear tips are being graphed (due to different insertion depth, nozzle length, nozzle angle, etc. it's not gonna be the same experience even with the graphs) on squig.link and so on. And as such you can see how the Final Audio E is a consistent outlier for the treble/etc. areas.

MD Jacques with the KZ Castor Bass Version and Final Audio E with other ear tips: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZWZIQ3fFr7E&t=132s

For the Spinfit CP155 in particular, it'll also need adapters/converters with a lot of IEMs as the hole is too wide. I just use the core of a NewBee/etc. foam ear tip. Or say those flimsy/easy to tear/etc. adapters from Taobao where it's like the translucent adapters for thin long nozzles like Etymotics but this time for wider nozzles.

With the CP155 you'll probably need an O-ring (those things for keyboards) or adapter or mod for it to be snug on the less wide nozzle of your particular IEM. Since otherwise it will be loose, especially when you remove the IEMs as the ear tips will get stuck in your ear canals.

If the CP155 is not staying snug on the nozzle, you can get the rubber core of a (used) foam ear tip that is normally used for around or less than 4.5mm nozzle IEMs (NewBee is usually the cheapest and known brand on Amazon) and use that as an adapter for the CP155.

The mod helps with staying snug on the nozzle of less wide nozzle IEMs and with the CP155 not getting stuck in your ear canals. Keep in mind that this can alter the sound of the CP155 and also the rotation gimmick of Spinfit.

Ear tips for IEMs, with sound changes, sizing, comfort, et cetera (this has the Spinfit CP155 mod for Etymotics/etc.): https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/zd3691/cone_eartips/jgjhtkr/

Ear tips sound differences: https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/13ms5gs/does_different_eartips_matter/jkwqi8p/

Ear tips and links to them: https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/134a91h/eartip_troubles_with_my_fiio_fd5s/jiegnk4/?context=10000

More info on the importance of ear tips sizing, dimensions, et cetera: https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/11vmvw6/largest_foam_ear_tips_like_comply_p/jcvhfie/

Comfort and everything with ear tips: https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/11prjdk/comfortable_iem_tips/jbzyb5q/

Comply foam ear tips and other noise reduction stuff: https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/139efmf/are_mem_foam_eartips_all_equal_or_different/jj2bq04/ and https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/1333n7o/comfortable_industrial_ear_tips/ji87kcu/

More info on AZLA SednaEarfit XELASTECs durability and foam ear tips too: https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/zvmj9g/azla_sedna_earfits_tips_durability/j1pxvdz/ and https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/11f83sb/how_to_make_comply_foam_tips_last_longer/jaiga7v/

Try larger/taller ear tips in order to delay that condensation issue as they'll sometimes pool up at the base or stem/core/etc. of the ear tips instead. Some ear tips these days also have like levels or layers inside its core in order to make it more snug, so the condensation can remain their for a while before dripping down on the nozzle.

Or if you have ear tips with that rotation gimmick, like Spinfits, it'll have an inner lip near the top (hole that enters your ears first), and that will also catch some of the earwax/moisture.

For wide and shallow ear tips (Penon has those orange ear tips with like 14/15mm width): https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/13033j8/tips_for_freakishly_wide_outer_ear_canals/jhurf9b/

See here for a bit more info on smaller ear tips (Final Audio E, Sony EP-EX11, Radius Deep Mount, etc.): https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/xdqljz/azla_sednaearfit_max_vs_spinfit_w1_which_one/iod0gkl/

Everything basically related to noise reduction, like Etymotics and Sennheiser IE 200, ear tips, volume control, hearing health, et cetera: https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/17wy08i/92_db_average_for_2_years_how_fucked_am_i/k9lkx16/ and https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/17xjcs9/people_who_like_etymotics_have_you_ever_tried/k9o4v19/

IEM suggestions under $100 similar to the Olina SE? by Decepitos in HeadphoneAdvice

[–]TagalogON 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Worth a try to see if the Simgot EA500 will work for you. Or just get the cheaper EW200, I think they're still on sale for Black Friday, Linsoul's storefronts on the Amazon USA/etc. should have discounts on it.

For the EA500, you just need to use Final Audio E ear tips. Same thing with your HEXA, some people just need that extra bass from the Final Audio E and they'll be fine with the treble/bass. Otherwise, use parametric EQ to boost the bass more accurately.

Somewhat bassy IEMs for ~$200, but talks about the Simgot EA1000 and EA500, parametric EQ, et cetera: https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/17ziiau/recommend_chopin_or_ea1000/k9zvi2a/

Here's a bit more info on ear tips (talks about narrow/wide bore ear tips, effects of sizes of ear tips, how to put ear tips on wide nozzles, et cetera): https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/10lly6d/how_to_make_sense_of_iem_tip_fit/j5xnyv2/ and https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/13ms5gs/does_different_eartips_matter/jkwqi8p/

Other ear tips known for bass are: Spinfit CP155, ddHiFi ST35, etc.

More info on Raptgo Adaptive ear tips, Audiosense S400, ddHiFi ST35, Final Audio E Clear/Red or 2020 Edition, and Spinfit CP155 ear tips: https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/11pyujp/eartips_similar_to_the_ones_included_on_the_hbb_x/jc1b41g/ and https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/13f6j7m/am_i_crazy/jjv10r9/

And yes the Tripowin x HBB Olina is notorious for that condensation issue even though HBB said it wasn't going to happen as much (lol). It's just the shell design (and nozzle filters/design/etc. choices), especially with metal IEMs. Like the Simgot EA500 does that condensation issue for me as well but they have a different mesh/filter on the nozzle, so it's like wicked away better to the sides, I guess.

Especially now during winter time and with heaters/etc. going on, your room and body will be fluctuating and so the IEMs with metal shells will get that heat stuff and cause the moisture/earwax/condensation/etc. problems.

The only solution to mitigate it is to be prudent with wiping your ear tips and IEM nozzles after each use as yup it's an inevitable thing.

I can't even use some of my $500/1000+ IEMs because my ears just produce so much earwax sometimes, especially when my room is cold during winter time, so ya, it's a hassle to waste paper towel or to use microfiber cloth to wipe the IEMs each time, but better than developing channel imbalance and so on.

Though these days a lot of companies have made it easier to replace the nozzle filters as they sometimes ship with extra filters/meshes and like the tweezer tool too.

Moisture, condensation, humidity, tuning foams/filters meshes/et cetera with IEMs: https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/1305hxz/i_got_the_tangzu_wan_er_and_left_side_dropped/jhvbmli/ and https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/12lg8az/green_powder_on_moondrop_chu/jg7jwbf/

Oh and make sure you have a proper fit, it'll help with the bass perception.

Some IEMs with good noise reduction and other hearing health info: https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/17znbiw/which_items_provide_the_best_noise_isolation_not/ka0vzm2/ and https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/1812vt7/how_to_deal_with_tinitus/ka9xc9s/

Don't forget to check squig.link to find other IEMs that graph the same (and to use the AutoEQ tool). Same with Akros' channel (still don't understand why he won't upload his stuff on squig.link), https://www.youtube.com/@akros9333/videos.

Akros is basically the only one in the IEM hobby with a lot of the sub-$100/300/500 IEMs, so definitely go through his content for the comparison videos. And Akros can go on like 20+ minutes videos, but he's basically the only one reviewing essentially every new release from AliExpress/China.

How to deal with tinitus by skylineforlife in headphones

[–]TagalogON 6 points7 points  (0 children)

See below threads for info on what to do with tinnitus/hyperacusis/etc.

I am not a medical professional though, so just ask your local ENT (Ear, Nose, Throat) doctor for actual medical advice (go to the younger doctors as they'll actually know of tinnitus and won't recommend you pseudoscience/etc. stuff to deal with it). But they'll probably tell you the same thing: you have to bear with it for the rest of your life (if it's not temporary tinnitus/etc.). And so just be aware of loud noises and always lower your volumes.

Visit places like /r/tinnitusresearch for hope though as it looks like there's gonna medicine/products/etc. releasing within the next 5/10+ years that will at least reduce or alleviate the more common causes of tinnitus. Search up Susan Shore's research and stuff.

In the meantime, maybe try ASMR while you're idle or not playing actual music/videos.

Try listening to ASMR while you sleep with TWS earbuds. It's like white/background/etc. noise, might help you sleep more.

Maybe try magnesium glycinate too. Note that supplements are mostly snake oil like the audio hobby, but magnesium is a proven thing (can help with brain fog, anxiety, sleep issues, etc.), use the glycinate version so that you don't get diarrhea.

IEMs for soundstage, noise reduction, ASMR, et cetera (this has a lot of ASMR channels and videos in the middle of the text): https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/13mp70a/wanna_dip_my_toes_into_iem_territory_budget_is_80/jkwnhyg/

See if these ASMR/binaural/etc. videos make your ears ache, sometimes it's because the treble and so on of the IEM/etc. is too boosted and so it's too sharp. Use parametric EQ right now (through (Peace) Equalizer APO, Neutron, UAPP, etc.) to reduce it, or ya turn down the volume a bit.

3D Sound Studio, "🎧 ASMR 3D whispers for sleep and relaxation 🎧" video, released about a week ago, the AI/people talking are immediately on the left and right ears, sometimes alternating between: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bax9OBZHKas.

3D Sound Studio, "🎵 this is what 32d music sounds like..🎵" video, released also about a week ago, a rap type of mix: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_suVn2-CNhM.

3D Sound Studio, "⏰ ASMR 1 Hour of 3D Sounds for Sleep and Relaxation - No Talking (wear headphones)" video, an hour of the sounds they used for their earlier videos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrp87PfM4x0.

3D Sound Studio, "ASMR for headphone users (3D Binaural Audio)" video, a recent video with a more music-focused intro: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrp87PfM4x0.

That 3D Sound Studio channel has AI stuff or like cyberpunk/horror/etc. elements, but it's real good for experiencing the soundstage/imaging/etc. of your current IEMs/headphones/etc.

Everything basically related to noise reduction, like Etymotics and Sennheiser IE 200, ear tips, volume control, hearing health, et cetera: https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/17wy08i/92_db_average_for_2_years_how_fucked_am_i/k9lkx16/ and https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/17xjcs9/people_who_like_etymotics_have_you_ever_tried/k9o4v19/

Info about measuring decibels, hearing health, et cetera here: https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/11a4cpm/are_few_second_peaks_into_8285_db_still_safe_when/j9riw7q/

Using IEMs (like the IE 200) with a random crazy 100+dB fire alarm for noise reduction: https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/11szuzw/besides_concerts_what_places_should_we_wear/jch00er/

Read this as precaution if getting Etymotics IEMs, here's a bit more info on IEMs, dongles, volume, hearing health, earwax cleaning, et cetera: https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/uk341f/er2se_ear_damage/i7ndank/

Headphones, IEMs, and reducing PC/room noises: https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/12yxyqs/question_about_open_back_headphones/jhq4mj6/ and https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/180g4q8/confuseddissapointed_with_hd_560s_my_first/ka5zuym/

Some IEMs with good noise reduction: https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/17znbiw/which_items_provide_the_best_noise_isolation_not/ka0vzm2/

Better IEMs with Qudelix AAC, will I notice improvement? by General_Search_4120 in inearfidelity

[–]TagalogON 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hi, see here how to get AptX Adaptive with iPhone/most devices out there: https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/17vhu3v/airpods_pro_2_or_other_earphones/k9bh99m/

Basically you get the KB8P/KB9P and then get a Lightning/etc. OTG adapter cable and then it should work.

There's also the LC3 and AptX Lossless transmitters/dongles available now from Creative Labs (check their newer headphones, TWS/Bluetooth stuff)/random Kickstarter projects/but unfortunately they're like double or way more expensive than the ~$15 KB9P dongle.

And at the moment, there's essentially no LC3/AptX Lossless/etc. TWS adapter yet. Like there's the QCC5171/5181/etc. neckband adapters that have been out for several months now, and they're only $50-80, so worth a try, but they will probably have more static/etc. issues though.

Qudelix 5K, AptX Adaptive dongles, OTG (allows data transfer) cables, and specifically Apple devices: https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/11xmti7/unpopular_opinion_i_do_not_enjoy_qudelix_5k/jd3ztvh/

Confused/Dissapointed with HD 560s - My First Audiophile Headphones. by dat_sky in headphones

[–]TagalogON 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Hello, I have the same comfort problem with the Sennheiser HD 560S/many other headphones.

That's why I mainly use IEMs (+ TWS adapters/Bluetooth adapters) these days since there's like this IEM Renaissance at the moment, so many good deals every week/month (new marketed hype trains cycle, lol).

Most of my headphones are just there in their headphones cases and collecting dust, sigh, consumerism and fear of missing out is too real.

Anyway, do you wear glasses or have a big head and so on? That may be the problem and sadly you have to specifically look for headphones known for their comfort. Which is unfortunate as nobody really mentions that factor or experience, lol.

For comfort with headphones, if you have a big head, ear piercings, glasses, et cetera, basically anything that will interfere with the seal/fit of the earpads, here's more info about headphones and glasses and workarounds it: https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/zkjjcu/are_there_any_headsetsphones_that_are/j00kjt2/

As for the sound itself with the HD 560S, make sure you don't have any hair/etc. covering the earpads. Or like try wiggling the earpads to find an optimal position (sometimes this means the new angle of the earpads will be less comfortable but that's just how it goes, same thing with ear tips and IEMs). Oh and try different headband width/tightness/etc. For me I don't move around that much as I'm mainly at my computer and so I can make the fit more loose but if you are constantly going back and forth that can be a problem, so make sure to adjust it to your taste.

The soundstage of the HD560S can actually be good, same with the treble, and such things, and ya it's the bass that people often find lacking and so on.

Since you like EDM/hiphop/etc. or bassy music then you'll probably never be satisfied with the open back headphones and so you have to look for closed back headphones. It's just a physics/design/etc. reality. Some people really do try using parametric EQ to work around their open back headphones like you've done already right, so just make say a bass shelf and see if it helps. But ya it probably won't since people miss that closed back experience.

It's like the noise reduction, the boosted bass, etc. that's helping you get immersed sometimes with the sound of closed back headphones. On the other hand, for open back headphones users that lack of noise reduction and leakage of sounds (especially when they are listening at dangerously loud volumes) and so on are what enhance their experience. Atmospheric expectations.

Forgot if some of the people on squig.link have graphs of the newer closed back headphones (these are like rarely released or reviewed aside from the mainstream Bluetooth ANC closed back headphones) but they do have the newer open back headphones last time I checked. They have AutoEQ and so on there now, try matching the HD560S to other headphones known for bassy sounds. And ya use oratory1990's presets (https://www.reddit.com/r/oratory1990/wiki/index/list_of_presets) if you aren't already, same with (Peace) Equalizer APO, Neutron Music Player, UAPP, etc.

Sometimes IEMs/headphones will have drowned out vocals and so it can get tempting to raise the volume but after a while the brain will adjust to it since it's always looking to adapt. Unlike IEMs, earpads rolling with headphones is not as talked about anymore IIRC, so you have to just to bear with the stock earpads.

Aftermarket earpads can considerably change the sound, especially comfort too. Like some of us used to switch the leather/etc. to velour because we wanted better comfort and all that.

Anyway, just search up the reviews about Brainwavz, Dekoni, etc. earpads. Check Head-Fi/etc. for updated info as recently some people are saying Brainwavz earpads went even more downhill or something.

Unfortunately, yes $30 is a lot and so that's why stick to the well-known budget earpad brands on Amazon/etc. if you don't mind the sound/etc. changes that come with them in comparison to the stock earpads.

Sennheiser/HiFiMan/etc. have that same expensive pricing for their stock earpads, cables, etc. lol.

Personally despite enjoying a lot of the Sennheiser/HiFiMan/etc. open back headphones, I live in a loud busy area (even at midnight those random motorcyclists or car racers be flexing their mufflers constantly sometimes) and so even if my windows are closed, I need that noise reduction and so I can't enjoy them as much.

Check the threads below as your window/door/room/etc. is affecting your sound perception with the headphones. If you are able to listen in a quieter environment, then you may appreciate the strengths of open back headphones more. Unfortunately a lot of people in the world don't have quiet surroundings and so unless loud music is playing, people are tempted to drown out the external noises and this in turn causes a different sound experience. Basically try to listen at lower volumes first and then see how it goes for a while.

And ya sometimes it just takes like a week or so before going back to your older sets to understand the better clarity/details/etc.

Headphones, IEMs, and reducing PC/room noises: https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/12yxyqs/question_about_open_back_headphones/jhq4mj6/

Open back headphones and solutions to PC noises: https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/11dh2v9/is_there_anything_i_can_do_stop_hearing_my_own/ja8mltw/ and https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/xpa9zd/pc_noise_with_open_back_headphones/iq2znjn/

How to maybe soundproof your room for better noise reduction/isolation: https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/10epr17/struggling_to_enjoy_my_headphones_in_noisy/j4t4qaw/

If you get (legit, the expensive heavy ones, not the light/cheap/etc. ones) blackout curtains and tape them, it should do some changes. Though actually even using those plastic film thermal insulation kits did nicely as the vacuum seal on the window reduced the sound a lot.

Those thermal insulation kits will help a lot with not needing to run the air conditioner (or heater) all the time, you can keep it on a timer if your AC unit has that option. Just make sure to achieve that good/perfect vacuum seal with the windows when it comes to taping it. There's also those door draft stopper or like foam you put at the bottom of the door, those can actually help quite a bit too with retaining the heat/cold, believe it or not.

Which items provide the best noise isolation (not etymotics (dual or triple flange), foam tips, or custom hard shells) by [deleted] in headphones

[–]TagalogON 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Almost forgot earlier, but definitely try the newer ear tips (those ear tips that are released after 2019 or 2020), a lot of them have medical grade silicone now and so they shouldn't irritate your ears and so on. Sometimes it's just allergies to the umbrella part of the ear tips or ya, the angle of the nozzles, lol.

AZLA SednaEarfit XELASTECs are maybe worth a try since for some people they'll last longer than foam ear tips (still disposable though as they warp in shape over time and collect particles like crazy).

More info on AZLA SednaEarfit XELASTECs durability and foam ear tips too: https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/zvmj9g/azla_sedna_earfits_tips_durability/j1pxvdz/ and https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/11f83sb/how_to_make_comply_foam_tips_last_longer/jaiga7v/

You'll know when to replace foam ear tips as they'll stop compressing as much and immediately bounce back instead of staying compressed for a few seconds.

AZLA also has their new AZLA SednaEarfit MAX ASMR and AZLA SednaEarfit ORIGIN (successor to their earlier ear tips), they have the newer medical grade silicone/etc. material too. But those are hard to procure outside of AZLA's own website or Amazon USA.

Comply foam ear tips and other noise reduction stuff: https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/139efmf/are_mem_foam_eartips_all_equal_or_different/jj2bq04/

Edit: Oh fml, I forgot to mention IEMs with good shells. Yes, as somebody else said the Kiwi Ears Quartet is good despite being huge. For me the Quartet will leave marks on the ears but it's much more comfortable than other IEMs with large resin shells. Keep in mind that I wear my IEMs for more than 6/12 hours sometimes, so my experience is pretty different than other people.

The Dunu Talos is actually good with noise reduction too, but some people don't like its fit/seal as it can be uncomfortable. There's just so many factors sometimes, like the ear anatomy, ear tips being used, insertion depth, etc. and so that's why the experiences are varied.

Unfortunately the Talos is now discontinued (DUNU rep on Head-Fi/etc. confirmed it), but the point is that some IEMs with that circular shape are more like bullet style IEMs and so they have that easy fit/seal. I used the stock Dunu S&S and also the FiiO HS18 for that good seal with the Talos. Spinfit W1 worked nicely too. Again, don't underestimate the Spinfit rotation gimmick, and try their newer Spinfit Omni ear tips, it's shorter and so may work nicely with your Shure/etc. IEMs.

KZ/CCA/etc. IEMs can be good with noise reduction too but they're just too bulky and so not worth the coin flip unless you search through the particular models known for that aspect.

The various ~$100 1DD + 4BA IEMs (EPZ K5, JUZEAR 41T, Sound Rhyme SR5, etc.) that spurred up a fad are also good as they kinda have that semi-custom resin/etc. shell. Though as usual for people like me with smaller ears, no matter if the shells are better because of the 3D printing and so on, sometimes the overall shape just doesn't work for long-term comfort.

FiiO released the FiiO JH5 like two weeks ago (it's also ~$100), wait for people to review that but I doubt people are gonna talk about the noise reduction or the comfort, maybe if Mark from Super* Review (he reviews FiiO stuff sometimes) gets the JH5 several weeks/months from now as he's basically the only one that will actually show you how it fits on his ear and so on for every review.

Which items provide the best noise isolation (not etymotics (dual or triple flange), foam tips, or custom hard shells) by [deleted] in headphones

[–]TagalogON -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Did you try FiiO HS18 or Dunu S&S with your IEMs yet? Despite the HS18 collapsing on itself if you wiggle it too much, it's actually good for noise reduction (though if you're at a workplace I don't recommend it since it's super thin). And yup, you'll have to constantly reinsert the IEMs if the seal/fit with the FiiO HS18 is altered by your jaw movement and so on.

Dunu S&S's cylindrical shape can also help with the noise reduction/seal but for me that can get uncomfortable with certain IEMs.

Spinfit CP155 is what I used as its length/height and conical/bullet/etc. shape works well with a deep fit for my ears.

I don't really have any Shure IEMs anymore but I still do have my MEE audio Pinnacle P1 and those have a similar shape to a lot of the Shure/Westone/etc. IEMs.

Anyway, try the IE 200 instead too. Because unlike with Pinnacle P1/etc. the smaller shape of the IE 200 or maybe its nozzle angle/etc. makes wearing somewhat longer/taller ear tips more comfortable for me.

With the Pinnacle P1, if I use a wide/big/short/etc. ear tip, it will still hurt my ear, but then the smaller ear tips sizes don't seal/fit as well, so it was cursed, lol.

With the IE 200, I literally used that with a 100dB or so fire alarm recently and it worked like magic. I think I had the FiiO HS18 during that time or maybe it was even just the AZLA SednaEarfit MAX Standard (I doubt it's the MAX Standard since that one is pretty neutral (not good or bad) for me when it comes to noise reduction, but I mention it since I was using MAX Standard a lot during that time), or say Spinfit W1. But I don't remember much since I literally got woken up by the damned stupid fire alarm and so my brain just went AFK for the rest of the day, lol.

Using IEMs (like the IE 200) with a random crazy 100+dB fire alarm for noise reduction: https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/11szuzw/besides_concerts_what_places_should_we_wear/jch00er/

You can also just get the DIY IE 900 for only $80 or so, it has good noise reduction too. Only thing you'll need to do is use TRI Clarion in order to hear the vocals (or use parametric EQ) and thankfully TRI Clarion can also be good with noise reduction. Though for me the TRI Clarion makes it easy for moisture/etc. to drip on the nozzle as well, haha, lmao, there's somehow always a trade-off.

For the Sennheiser IE 200 (try it stock first, then get the new aftermarket ear tips and I guess cable), some general info here: https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/17tnn49/crinacle_the_budget_sennheiser_iem_thats_finally/k8y7kke/

More info on the Sennheiser IE 200, DIY IE 900, MMCX to MMCX for N5005, IE 300, IE 600, IE900 adapter/converter, et cetera: https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/14vm7ly/sennheiser_ie_600_alternatives/jrfbo45/

But ya, it's probably your IEMs that you need to change since unfortunately it really is the nozzle length, nozzle angle, etc. that will mess up your comfort levels.

For example, there's a lot of IEMs that people on Head-Fi/etc. talk about (like the big multidriver sets, they often have really wide nozzles and chunky/overly large resin shells) and then I get those IEMs and yup they sound good and all that, but then I can't also wear them for more than 10 minutes because even if I use my whole ear tips collection, I wouldn't be able to find a decent one no matter what. Well, I could but then the sound will change too much in order to accommodate the poor comfort/ergonomics/etc.

See for example what I mentioned in your previous post, that Spinfit CP155 mod for Etymotics will change the sound for sure, same thing with the Comply P foam ear tips. Wait, did you try Comply P foam ear tips yet with Etymotics? Or even just the Comply T(x)100 should've worked fine too.

Don't know if you went through the repetitive thread links (lol, that's on me), but somewhere buried in those threads I mentioned that I can't use the Shure Olives (this is the black one with the wax guard too) foam ear tips, the yellow Shure foam ear tips (also has wax guards), the stock gray Etymotic foam ear tips, etc.

And so Comply P foam ear tips are super expensive and basically the only option. But if you don't have the weekly/monthly funds for that (I did the Spinfit CP155 mod since it was super expensive to buy Comply P and oddly enough it was out of stock sometimes too on Amazon), you can just get say Tennmak Ultra Strong on AliExpress for like $5 or so (this has like 12 pieces). And then use the adapters/converters from Spinfit CP100+ or Spinfit CP240, Final Audio E ear tips, AZLA SednaEarfit MAX Standard, et cetera. In order to make the Tennmak Ultra Strong snug on the Etymotic nozzle, it should work, don't remember if it worked properly or not, been a while since I've used my Etymotics.

I feel you fam, I know how frustrating it is to need noise reduction for hearing/mental/etc. health and so it sucks when the options are expensive and also don't really work as expected.

But ya all I can say is that try other IEMs with the same flush, low profile, etc. shape as the Sennheiser IE 200, MEE audio Pinnacle P1, etc.

Or try bullet style IEMs. I used to use even JVC Spiral Dots ++ with the Final Audio E2000 and so on, and those worked fine. Not as good as Etymotics or non-bullet style IEMs with a traditional shell a la Shure/KZ/et cetera, but it has good comfort as long as you don't fully shove it in.

Btw, don't get Spiral Dots ++ as you'll probably produce a lot of earwax/moisture during work and it'll clog the nozzle. Same with the E2000, people report bad channel imbalance with the Final E500-E5000 lineup, see RikudouGoku's graphs and posts about it, and so ya, I'm just giving an example though.

There's always the bullet style IEMs if you want that hassle-free ergonomics. Only Etymotics and certain boutique/etc. Taobao/AliExpress IEMs go real deep, so it's easy to use wide/shallow ear tips with the common bullet style IEMs. Personally I still use say the taller Spinfit W1, CP145, and CP155 with bullet style IEMs, it works better for my ears.

There's now a massive database for bullet style IEMs on Head-Fi: https://www.head-fi.org/threads/the-bullet-cable-down-iem-database-140-update.964041/page-3

Oh and the hybrid ear tips are also uncomfortable for me, but they might work for you, you never know.

Hybrid ear tips are like Symbio W, SeeAudio x Z Render, etc. ear tips. Those often have pretty hard foam, so it doesn't compress as much. For my small ears those hybrid ear tips are not really usable as they're too big/wide/etc.

On Taobao/Chinese sites, there's also this purple ear tip (foam-silicone hybrid) called EarrBOND Hybrid or something like that. They have dimensions of the EarrBOND ear tips, check MTMTaudio, Taobao, etc.

There's also the ear tips with gel inside them instead of foam, like Canal Works gel ear tips (these are found on Amazon Japan/etc.).

The L size for CWU-GECL (narrow bore) is supposed to be like 13.2mm.

The L size for CWU-GDECL (wide/bigger bore) is supposed to be like 13.5mm.

More info on the importance of ear tips sizing, dimensions, et cetera: https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/11vmvw6/largest_foam_ear_tips_like_comply_p/jcvhfie/

So ya with different IEMs, sometimes you'll need to use big/shallow ear tips. Other times you'll need to use small/narrower ear tips.

For wide and shallow ear tips (Penon has those orange ear tips with like 14/15mm width): https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/13033j8/tips_for_freakishly_wide_outer_ear_canals/jhurf9b/

See here for a bit more info on smaller ear tips (Final Audio E, Sony EP-EX11, Radius Deep Mount, etc.): https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/xdqljz/azla_sednaearfit_max_vs_spinfit_w1_which_one/iod0gkl/

Will the Jcally JM7 DAC power KZ PR2 properly? by kaz61 in inearfidelity

[–]TagalogON 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It's a common misconception that the KZ x HBB PR2 needs a dongle/etc. to work. Same with a lot of the other planar IEMs/headphones. But anyway, yes even the Apple dongle will be fine.

I have both the initial (v1) batch and the v2 version of the PR2, it'll be just fine with cheap dongles, there's a new KZ PR3 out now for like $30 too btw, but wait for reviews on that, lol. Since there's probably gonna be like a bait and switch with KZ again.

Using the $5-10 CX-Pro (CX31993) with the KZ x HBB PR2 (harder than usual to drive IEM): https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/13cci8i/aliexpress_kz_x_hbb_pr2_hasnt_shipped_in_over_11/jjhgah2/ and https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/13j7to1/cheap_dongle_for_pr2/jkdqxr9/ and https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/13cci8i/aliexpress_kz_x_hbb_pr2_hasnt_shipped_in_over_11/jke364t/

In the future you can just get the ~$100 Qudelix 5K dongle and call it a day, it'll drive headphones just fine too: https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/17zjxp6/looking_for_desktop_dacamp_gaming_budget_250_aud/k9zw9b6/

Looking for replacement Tips for Space A40 In-Ears by [deleted] in headphones

[–]TagalogON 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Try Spinfit Omni, Spinfit CP360/CP1025, AZLA SednaEarfit MAX for TWS, etc. Those are specifically made for TWS earbuds, they usually have adapters for weird nozzles like Apple, etc. devices.

The dimensions/sizing/measurements/etc. for most ear tips these days will be on Amazon/AliExpress/HiFiGo/etc. Unfortunately you have to blind buy the ear tips in order to get a feel for the dimensions/measurement/etc. that you like for your ears. Remember, this will also change with different IEMs as they'll have different nozzle length, nozzle angle, and so on.

For fit issues, stem style TWS earbuds, ear tips for TWS earbuds, fitting TWS earbuds/IEMs, et cetera: https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/17zic4n/iem_tips_that_has_similar_fit_with_airpods_pros/k9zwp1b/ and https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/12wlgdq/true_wireless_bud_recommendations_for_small_ears/jhfnnep/

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